High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) program is a key component of the Army's Long Range Precision Fires modernization effort, as outlined in Budget Line Item 6200C02901. The primary objective of the HIMARS program is to procure and field the M142 HIMARS launchers, which provide the Army with a highly mobile, combat-proven, precision strike capability. These launchers are designed to deliver lethal and responsive fires in support of integrated fires and multi-domain operations. They are transportable by C-130 or C-17 aircraft, enhancing rapid deployment and operational flexibility.

For FY2026 Base procurement, the program requests funding to acquire six M142 HIMARS launchers and associated equipment. This supports the Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) of 617 launchers, ensuring both active and reserve components are equipped for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. The procurement includes recurring spares, fielding, peculiar support equipment, production engineering, program management, system engineering, test and evaluation, and training costs, all of which are essential for successful deployment and sustainment of the HIMARS capability.

The HIMARS Launcher procurement line specifically covers the acquisition of the launchers themselves, with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Systems in Dallas, Texas serving as the primary contractor. The procurement strategy utilizes Firm Fixed Price contracts awarded through the Aviation & Missile Command. Production lead times and delivery schedules are designed to meet the Army's operational requirements. Recent increases in production capacity from 60 to 72 launchers per year in February 2025, and a planned increase to 96 per year in October 2025 are intended to address both Army needs and foreign military sales demand, which helps reduce unit costs through economies of scale.

The Support and Sustainment elements of the program are structured to ensure operational readiness and lifecycle support for the HIMARS fleet. In FY2026, the Army realigned cost elements for greater budget transparency, separating spares procurement from fielding costs and including Common Fire Control System (CFCS) Launcher Adapter Group (LAG) kit procurement within the peculiar support equipment category. These adjustments allow for more accurate tracking of costs associated with spare parts, equipment testing, and support infrastructure, which are critical for maintaining launcher availability and effectiveness.

Additionally, fielding and training costs are included to support the deployment of new launchers to operational units. These costs cover system assembly, installation, site activation, and operator training services, ensuring that units receiving HIMARS launchers are fully prepared to integrate them into their mission sets. The program also funds production engineering and system test and evaluation activities to maintain technical standards and validate system performance prior to fielding.

The Program Management and Engineering lines provide oversight and technical support for the HIMARS program. Government management funds support the Army's program office activities, including contract administration, schedule management, and coordination with other missile procurement programs. System engineering and test and evaluation funds are used to address obsolescence mitigation, production restart initiatives, and ongoing system improvements, ensuring the HIMARS platform remains relevant and effective against evolving threats.